Bayer 04 Leverkusen have signed Sardar Azmoun from Zenit St. Petersburg, signing their first new signing for the coming season. The 27-year-old center forward signed a contract on Saturday until June 30, 2027 and is coming to the Bundesliga on a free transfer.
“We are very happy about this successful transfer. Sardar Azmoun has been one of the top scorers in the Russian league for years. He won the championship there three times in a row with Zenit, played regularly in the Champions League and demonstrated his international class at the very highest level. With him, our offensive gets additional quality, Sardar will make our attack even more unpredictable and powerful,” said sporting director Simon Rolfes.
Azmoun has been playing for the seven-time Russian champions since early 2019, scoring 62 goals and providing 23 assists in 104 competitive games. With a market value of €25m, the two-footed attacker is the most valuable player in the Premier League and will join the ranks of the most valuable free transfers in history this summer. Only 13 footballers with a higher market value left their club for free.
Azmoun in top 20: Most valuable free transfers
24 | Michael Ballac | 2010 | Market value: €20 million
Azmoun from Bayer 04 “enthusiastic”: Lyon & Co. were also interested
In the courtship for Azmoun, Bayer 04 beat several European clubs. Olympique Lyon coach Peter Bosz had publicly spoken out in favor of signing the offensive man, and Burnley FC and AC Milan were also interested.
For Azmoun, the move from Zenit to Leverkusen is “a step from the best club in Russia to one of the best leagues in Europe. Bayer 04 Leverkusen have a really great squad, I’ve been following the club for a long time and I’m impressed with the way this team plays. Being able to play in the Bundesliga soon is incredibly exciting for me. And I’m convinced that I will strengthen the team with my footballing qualities.”
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